Sadly, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we will not be able to commemorate those who were killed in the First and Second World Wars and later conflicts in the usual way on Remembrance Sunday this year.
We are however inviting organisations to lay wreaths at cenotaphs throughout the Borough from the end of October up until 11th November.
Every year during the Poppy Appeal, volunteers for The Royal British Legion cover as many areas as possible, collecting on the streets, in shopping centres and at stations. However, this year, as a result of COVID-19, many of their volunteers are understandably unable to assist, and reduced footfall in these areas means that the Poppy Appeal income is at real risk. Whilst there will be poppies available in many supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, and Aldi – we want to make sure that you are also able to participate in this year’s Poppy Appeal from your own home.
You can therefore also buy poppies for yourself, friends and family from our online British Legion shop here: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/shop/poppies-by-donation
There will be no public ceremony on Remembrance Sunday, 8th November, however, the Mayor of Fylde will be attending the cenotaph to pay her respects, together with Colonel Rosie Stone DL and Mark Menzies MP. Councillor Redcliffe, the Deputy Mayor of Fylde will be doing the same at Lytham, and a representative from the Royal British Legion will also attend both St Annes and Lytham. This will be a closed service and we are asking people not to gather in the usual way on the morning of Remembrance Sunday.
The wreaths will be laid to pay the respects of all elected members and officers of Fylde Council.
We do encourage members of the public to display a poppy in their windows and to stand on their doorsteps at 11:00 on Remembrance Sunday to observe a two-minutes silence as a mark of respect.
Mayor of Fylde, Cllr Angela Jacques said: “It is a great privilege to lay the wreath at the Cenotaph on your behalf. Although it is not possible to gather together to show our respect for those who have lost their lives in conflict for our country because of COVID, I would like you to show your support by putting a poppy in your window and / or standing at your door for the 2 minutes silence instead. Any support for the Royal British Legion is much appreciated and donations can be given online.”
